County considers easing delinquent property tax payment rules

April sales tax revenues show steady increase for county

County weighs collecting transient guest taxes on short-term rentals

Public pushback halts nuisance and unsafe structure code changes

County analyzes local impact of state housing bill

New state dam legislation creates headaches for local property owners

Commissioners schedule work session to discuss emergency medical services funding

County approves $4,000 for bridge weight limit signs

1. County considers easing delinquent property tax payment rules

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The Harvey County Board of Commissioners is considering a new charter resolution that would change how the county handles delinquent property taxes to help residents avoid tax sales. Following overwhelming citizen complaints about the current 2019 policy, the proposed changes would allow residents to pay their current taxes first, followed by their oldest delinquent tax year. Harvey County Counselor Brad Jantz noted the plan offers a "middle-of-the-road" approach that protects homeowners from losing their houses as long as they maintain a payment plan, while mitigating the financial burden shifted to residents who pay on time. A finalized draft of the resolution is expected to be reviewed next week.

2. April sales tax revenues show steady increase for county

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Harvey County saw a steady increase in sales tax collections for the month of April, with the revenues flowing directly into the county's general fund. The county's second-cent sales tax collections reached $496,944, a 5.18 percent increase compared to April 2025. Additionally, the county's portion of the standard sales and compensating use tax came in at $246,492, marking a 5.37 percent increase over the previous year.

3. County weighs collecting transient guest taxes on short-term rentals

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Harvey County may look into collecting transient guest taxes from short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. During a departmental update, zoning officials noted that other Kansas counties have successfully utilized the platforms to automatically collect the tax, generating a new stream of revenue from out-of-county visitors. Officials also noted the state has prohibited local municipalities from placing a cap on the number of short-term rental permits issued during the upcoming World Cup.

4. Public pushback halts nuisance and unsafe structure code changes

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Harvey County will not move forward with updates to its nuisance violations and unsafe structures code following significant public opposition. Harvey County Planning and Zoning Director Karen Rosie told commissioners that a recent survey revealed an overwhelming number of residents did not want changes, largely due to fears that the new regulations would negatively impact agricultural properties. The Harvey County Planning Commission reviewed the survey results last month and opted to leave the current regulations intact.

5. County analyzes local impact of state housing bill

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — County zoning officials are monitoring new state legislation designed to fast-track housing permits and approvals. The By-Right Housing Development Act limits local zoning control, potentially allowing homes under 2,500 square feet to be built on lots larger than 3,000 square feet regardless of existing zoning laws. Rosie informed the board that it remains unclear exactly how the legislation will impact county-level planning and infrastructure efforts moving forward.

6. New state dam legislation creates headaches for local property owners

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — A newly passed state law regarding dam modifications could bring financial and logistical hurdles to Harvey County landowners. According to the county's planning and zoning office, property owners who sell or subdivide land within a dam inundation zone must now formally register the property with the register of deeds. Officials expressed concern over how the mandate will be enforced, noting that if new home construction raises a dam's hazard rating, the property owner could be held financially responsible. The county currently lacks up-to-date inundation maps for all local dams to properly track the zones.

7. Commissioners schedule work session to discuss emergency medical services funding

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — Harvey County commissioners and local emergency medical services departments will hold a work session on Monday, May 11, to discuss county funding for EMS operations. Harvey County Administrator Kevin Frymire noted that EMS departments across the county's municipalities requested the meeting to review the current funding structures and explore potential changes. The work session is scheduled for 2 p.m.

8. County approves $4,000 for bridge weight limit signs

HARVEY COUNTY, Kan. — The board of commissioners unanimously approved $181,855 in warrant checks Tuesday, which included a $4,000 expenditure for new bridge weight limit signs. It was noted during the meeting that the signage purchase is likely necessary to comply with new Kansas Department of Transportation requirements regarding bridge weight limits and rural enforcement across the county.

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